Fear and grief have gripped the town of Gbendema, Pujehun District, after an alleged same-sex relationship between two young women ended in tragedy — one brutally killed by a mob, and the other fleeing across the border into Liberia to save her life.
The survivor, identified as Agatha Lamin, is now believed to be in hiding after her girlfriend, Fatima, was lynched on June 1, 2025, when community members allegedly discovered the two in an intimate encounter.
According to eyewitnesses, the violence began when Fatima’s father raised an alarm that drew a crowd of residents to the scene. What began as outrage quickly escalated into mob violence.
“When the father shouted, people started gathering,” one eyewitness told This Day Salone. “Agatha and Fatima ran in different directions. People said the girls had brought shame to the family and the town.”
Several residents said Fatima was caught and attacked as she tried to flee.
“Fatima was mobbed by the community,” another eyewitness said. “She fell while running and broke her neck. That’s how she died.”
Community members told This Day Salone that Agatha went into hiding immediately after the attack, spending the night in the bush before escaping across the border on June 2 through unguarded routes.
A neighbor familiar with the family said tensions were high after the killing and that Agatha’s brother had called her to warn her against returning.
“Her brother told her not to call him again because things were very tense,” the neighbor said. “He also told her that Fatima had died from the beating. Everyone in the town was looking for her — including the deceased’s family — saying that Agatha should suffer the same fate as Fatima.”
According to multiple residents, Fatima’s family has continued to accuse Agatha of being responsible for their daughter’s death, saying she had brought “disgrace” to the family and the community.
“They said Agatha caused Fatima’s death,” another community source added. “If she hadn’t run, she would have been killed too.”
Local human rights advocates have condemned the incident as a serious human rights violation, calling for a full investigation and accountability.
“This case shows the danger faced by people accused of same-sex relationships in Sierra Leone,” said one activist in Pujehun District. “No one should be attacked or killed because of who they love. The police must act — silence only encourages more violence.”
As of publication, the Sierra Leone Police in Pujehun District have not released an official statement. It remains unclear whether any arrests have been made or if an investigation is underway.
Sierra Leone’s laws continue to criminalize same-sex intimacy, a policy that human rights groups say fuels stigma, fear, and impunity for violence against LGBTQ+ persons.
Agatha is believed to be seeking refuge in Liberia, reportedly with assistance from organizations that support survivors of persecution and gender-based violence.
“She lost someone she loved dearly,” the neighbor said softly. “Now she has lost her home too.”
